Rebounding volumes and operational gains boost confidence despite weather setbacks
Containerisation gains across South Africa’s sea sector are pointing to a steady recovery in port activity, with week-on-week (w-o-w) throughput increases reinforcing optimism for the months ahead. Consecutive growth of 22.23% and 14.99% in container volumes has underpinned positive sentiment around January port performance.
TEU volumes began the year at 7 405 in the first week of January before declining by 16.42% to 6 189 in week two. Momentum quickly returned in week three, with volumes climbing to 7 565 TEUs, before closing the month on a relative high of 8 699 containers handled. The consistent rebound suggests strengthening demand and improved operational stability across key terminals.
According to industry observers, performance could have been even stronger were it not for persistent weather-related disruptions. Nevertheless, the latest Cargo Movement Update (CMU) indicates clear signs of operational recovery.
Compiled by the South African Association of Freight Forwarders (Saaff) and Business Unity South Africa (Busa), the CMU received on January 30 notes improved vessel flow and waterside productivity. “Port operations, though still challenged by weather conditions in some instances, showed a strong recovery, with vessel delays reducing and waterside operations increasing.”
Quayside efficiency also benefited from improved machine management by Transnet Port Terminals. The update highlights stable equipment availability across terminals, supported by a near full complement of cranes and strong landside equipment performance.
By the end of January 2026, a year increasingly viewed as pivotal for Transnet, Saaff and Busa remained upbeat about port prospects. Transnet’s turnaround strategies under CEO Michelle Phillips have attracted investor interest amounting to R42 billion, aimed at addressing the parastatal’s R138 billion debt burden.
Further bolstering confidence, the CMU points to a memorandum of understanding signed between Transnet, Port of Antwerp-Bruges International, and the Antwerp Port Training Centre (Apec).
The partnership is focused on modernising South Africa’s ports through cooperation on digitalisation, sustainability, corridor development, training initiatives, and EU Global Gateway-linked investment. Oversight of the collaboration will be managed through a joint monitoring committee.
Together, the improving container figures and strategic international partnerships signal cautious but growing optimism for South Africa’s maritime logistics sector as 2026 unfolds.